Leonardo To Upgrade Avionics, Engines Of 5 Portuguese Naval Lynx Helicopters

Leonardo has recently received a contract for the avionics and engine upgrade of five Lynx Mk95 helicopters currently in service with the Portuguese Navy.

The contract is expected to be signed in the coming few weeks.  The company made the announcement at Farnborough International Air Show Wednesday.

Portuguese Navy operates five Super Lynx helicopters purchased in 1990. Two of these helicopters were refurbished in May 2015, while a third that was retired has been brought back to service.

The helicopters carry out anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and general utility roles mainly from Portugal's Vasco da Gama-class and Bartolomeu Dias-class frigates.

They are fitted with the RDR-1500B search and surveillance radar, AN/AQS-18V dipping sonar, a rescue hoist, and can be armed with the Mk46 Mod 5 torpedo and a door-mounted M3M 12.7x99 mm machine gun.